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Public Policy

Definition

Public policy refers to the decisions and actions taken by government authorities to address societal issues and promote the well-being of its citizens.

Analogy

Think of public policy as a set of rules and guidelines that a school implements to ensure a safe and productive learning environment for all students.

Related terms

Government Intervention: Government intervention refers to when the government takes action in the economy or society to influence outcomes, such as implementing regulations or providing subsidies.

Social Welfare Programs: Social welfare programs are government initiatives designed to provide assistance and support to individuals or families in need, such as healthcare, unemployment benefits, or food stamps.

Taxation: Taxation is the process by which governments collect money from individuals and businesses in order to fund public goods and services, such as infrastructure, education, and defense.



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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.